On this World Rainforest Day, observed on June 22nd, environmental advocates in Congo-Brazzaville are expressing outrage over an oil exploration permit granted to a Chinese company earlier this year.
The permit, located within the Conkouati-Douli National Park in the southeast of the country, poses a significant threat to the tropical forest, endangered species, and local communities, according to NGOs Earth Insight and Greenpeace Africa. Consequently, a coalition of approximately ten Congolese civil society organizations is urging authorities to revoke the permit.
Stella Tchoukep of Greenpeace Africa did not mince words, stating, “This is a deplorable regression.”
Tchoukep emphasized that the exploration permit violates Congolese national park protection laws and contradicts the forest preservation agreement the country signed during COP 28. “Today, sustainable development is a concept that must encompass economic, social, and environmental factors,” she asserted.
However, Tchoukep argued that the project fails on all fronts. “We have an intact ecosystem. We have people who live in and depend on this ecosystem. Moreover, in the fight against climate change, we have a significant carbon stock.”
The permit also jeopardizes the conservation of endangered species, such as the lowland gorilla, and undermines the rights of indigenous peoples, prompting calls for decisive action. “The state must not only cancel the Conkouati oil block but also prohibit exploration and extraction within the national park altogether,” Tchoukep urged.
This decision hinges on adopting a different economic vision. “If the state relies on fossil fuel exploitation, it will be challenging to achieve goals related to climate protection, forest conservation, and the safeguarding of community rights,” Tchoukep explained.
Thus, Tchoukep believes that Congolese authorities must set a precedent to inspire other countries in the Congo Basin.